S Club 7 star Paul Cattermole dies aged 46, just weeks after band announce reunion

S Club 7 star Paul Cattermole has passed away at the age of 46.

A statement released by the band confirmed the news on Friday (7 April).

It read: "We are truly devastated by the passing of our brother Paul. There are no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel. We were so lucky to have had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have.

"He will be so deeply missed by each and every one of us. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and of the band at this time."

Cattermole was found dead at his home in Dorset, there are thought to be "no suspicious circumstances" surrounding the death.

A second statement from his family reads: "It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole.

"Paul was found yesterday, 6th April 2023 at his home in Dorset and was pronounced dead later that afternoon.

"While the cause of death is currently unknown, Dorset Police has confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances. Paul’s family, friends and fellow members of S Club request privacy at this time."

Cattermole, alongside S Club 7 bandmates Rachel Stevens, Hannah Spearritt, Bradley McIntosh, Tina Barrett, Jon Lee and Jo O'Meara had been planning to hit the road for their scheduled reunion tour later this year.

S Club 7 were formed in 1998 by Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller.

The band went on to be a resounding success between 1998 - 2003 when they eventually split.

They starred in their own BBC series Miami 7 which propelled them to the dizzy heights of fame.

S Club 7 went on to rack up four UK number one singles and a UK number one album, as well as achieving significant chart success around Europe.

Read more: S Club 7 Bring It All Back with reunion tour

They recorded four studio albums, released 11 singles and went on to sell over 10 million albums worldwide even achieving global success with a top 10 hit on the US Hot 100 chart with their 2000 single Never Had a Dream Come True.

Cattermole quit the band in 2002 after struggling to cope with the pressures put on them as a group.

He previously told The Guardian: "It had got to the point where things were being handled so badly, I had to go."

Watch: S Club 7 are all 'up for' releasing new music

At the time Cattermole was dating bandmate Spearritt, they had kept their romance a secret for six months before going public in 2001.

The relationship continued after the band broke up, with the couple calling time on their romance in 2006.

Following the split of the band Cattermole joined forces with McIntosh and O'Meara to tour Universities, clubs, and holiday camps around the UK as S Club 3.